Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Clinically Healthy and Sick Horses: First Report from the Czech Republic.

Lyme disease, caused by some strains of bacterial spirochetes Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), affects humans but also domestic animals including horses. The primary pathogens in horses in Europe are B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. To our knowledge, there are no data available on the seropositivity of B. burgdorferi s.l. in horses from the Czech Republic. In this country, horses are mainly used for sport, breeding, and recreational riding in areas where vectors of B. burgdorferi s.l. are present, which is why they are frequently at risk of infection. The aim of the study was to detect anti-borrelia IgM and IgG antibodies in clinically healthy and sick horses from the Czech Republic and to evaluate the risk factors of infection. In total, sera of 262 horses (247 clinically healthy horses and 15 horses hospitalized due to symptoms of encephalitis/meningoencephalitis) were examined by an indirect sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positivity of B. burgdorferi was 27% (66/247) in clinically healthy horses (21% IgM, 7% IgG and 3% IgM + IgG antibodies) and 20% (3/15) in horses with clinical signs (20% IgM, 7% IgG and 7% IgM + IgG). In the clinically healthy horses, positivity statistically differed (p ≤ 0.05) only in Pony and Warmblood breeds, being the most affected at 32% and 30%, respectively, while other characteristics (sex, age, usage and localities) had no effect on positivity. This is the first survey of antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. in Czech horses showing that horses are exposed to ticks infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. This should be taken into account when making differential diagnoses in patients with non-specific symptoms to start with adequate therapy.

Leptospira interrogans Sensu Lato in Wild Small Mammals in Three Moravian Localities of the Czech Republic.

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis, affecting humans, domestic animals and wildlife, with small mammals as a reservoir of this infection. In recent years, this disease has been re-emerging and affects approximately 1 million people all over the world each year. Due to this disease having a significant health impact, it is important to identify the source and method of infection. The risk of Leptospira sp. infection is higher mainly in the cities of developed and industrialised countries. The aim of the study was the detection of antibodies against Leptospira sp. in some wild small mammals captured in the Czech Republic. In total, samples of 855 animals captured in three locations of Moravia during a six-year study (2010-2015) were examined by a microscopic agglutination test, using eight serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato, representing serogroups Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Australis, Canicola, Sejroe, Javanica, Pomona and Pyrogenes, as antigens. Antibodies to Leptospira sp. were detected in 6.1% (52/855) of animals, with a prevalence of 6.4% (51/801) and 1.9% (1/54) in rodents and insectivores, respectively. The only statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was in prevalence between individual species (0-33%), while there were no differences in sex (6.7% in females and 5.1% in males), locality (1.8-8%) and year of trapping (0-8.4%). Only two serovars, L. interrogans serovar Pomona and L. interrogans serovar Grippotyphosa, were detected in 5.5% and 0.5% of animals, respectively. The prevailing serovar of pathogenic L. interrogans s.l. can be identified in a number of infected people in the Czech Republic. The composition of vaccines should be based on the current occurrence of Leptospira serovars in the actual territory. For this reason, the occurrence of Leptospira and its serovars should therefore be regularly monitored.

Canine Distemper Virus in Wild Carnivore Populations from the Czech Republic (2012-2020): Occurrence, Geographical Distribution, and Phylogenetic Analysis.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease in carnivores and represents a serious threat for both wild and domestic animals. The aim of our study was to monitor the occurrence of the canine distemper virus in wildlife from the Czech Republic, reveal the H gene heterogeneity in positive samples and perform subsequent phylogenetic analysis. In total, 412 wild animals of 10 species were included in the study: 219 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 79 European badgers (Meles meles), 47 European otters (Lutra lutra), 40 stone martens (Martes foina), 10 pine martens (M. martes), 7 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 5 undetermined martens (Martes sp.), 2 wolves (Canis lupus), 1 European polecat (Mustela putorius), 1 free-ranging ferret (Mustela putorius furo), and 1 free-ranging American mink (Neovison vison). Most animals were found dead or were killed by hunters during hunting seasons in the years 2012-2020 and came from all 14 regions of the Czech Republic. In the animals that were hunted, symptoms such as apathy, loss of shyness or disorientation were reported. Canine distemper virus (CDV) was detected by real-time RT-PCR in the tissues of 74 (18%) of the animals, including 62 (28%) red foxes, 4 (10%) stone martens, 3 (43%) raccoons, 2 (20%) pine martens, 2 (2.5%) European badgers and 1 (20%) undetermined marten. There was a statistical difference in positivity among animal species (p < 0.0001), regions (p = 0.0057), and the years of sampling (p = 0.0005). To determine the genetic characteristics of circulating variants of CDV in wildlife, 23 of 74 CDV variants were partially sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 21 variants belonged to the European lineage and two strains belonged to the European-Wildlife lineage. This study provides the first comprehensive overview of the prevalence and spatial distribution of CDV in wildlife in the Czech Republic, including molecular phylogenetic analysis of currently circulating CDV lineages.

Wild Small Mammals and Ticks in Zoos-Reservoir of Agents with Zoonotic Potential?

Wild small mammals and ticks play an important role in maintaining and spreading zoonoses in nature, as well as in captive animals. The aim of this study was to monitor selected agents with zoonotic potential in their reservoirs and vectors in a zoo, and to draw attention to the risk of possible contact with these pathogens. In total, 117 wild small mammals (rodents) and 166 ticks were collected in the area of Brno Zoo. Antibodies to the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, and Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. were detected by a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 19% (19/99), 4% (4/99), and 15% (15/99) of rodents, respectively. Antibodies to Leptospira spp. bacteria were detected by the microscopic agglutination test in 6% (4/63) of rodents. Coinfection (antibodies to more than two agents) were proved in 14.5% (15/97) of animals. The prevalence of C. burnetii statistically differed according to the years of trapping (p = 0.0241). The DNAs of B. burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia sp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected by PCR in 16%, 6%, and 1% of ticks, respectively, without coinfection and without effect of life stage and sex of ticks on positivity. Sequencing showed homology with R. helvetica and A. phagocytophilum in four and one positive samples, respectively. The results of our study show that wild small mammals and ticks in a zoo could serve as reservoirs and vectors of infectious agents with zoonotic potential and thus present a risk of infection to zoo animals and also to keepers and visitors to a zoo.

Seroprevalence of Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and Trichinella spp. infections in horses and donkeys from Nigeria, West Africa.

The protozoan parasites Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, transmitted by ticks, cause equine piroplasmosis, the most prevalent tick-borne disease in equids. Trichinellosis is a worldwide food-borne zoonosis caused by helminth Trichinella spp. that can lead to serious disease in humans, with fatal outcome. Although the infection is rare in horses, it deserves attention due to the increasing use of horse meat as a source of protein for humans. Horse trichinellosis is caused by several Trichinella species, most commonly by T. spiralis. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to T. equi, B. caballi and Trichinella spp. in equids from three states of Northern Nigeria. Serum samples were collected from 139 clinically healthy animals, comprising 115 horses and 24 donkeys. Antibodies to T. equi and B. caballi were detected in serum by competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and antibodies to Trichinella spp. by ELISA. Antibodies to T. equi were detected in 34% of equids (41% horses and 0% donkeys), antibodies to B. caballi in 9% of equids (8% horses and 13% donkeys), and antibodies to Trichinella spp. in 4% of equids (4% horses and 0% donkeys). There was co-infection of T. equi and B. caballi in 1% of horses and co-infection of T. equi and Trichinella spp. in 2.6% of horses. This is the first report on seroprevalence of Trichinella spp. in equids from Northern Nigeria.

Antibodies Related to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, and Francisella tularensis Detected in Serum and Heart Rinses of Wild Small Mammals in the Czech Republic.

Wild small mammals are the most common reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms that can cause zoonotic diseases. The aim of the study was to detect antibodies related to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, and Francisella tularensis in wild small mammals from the Czech Republic. In total, sera or heart rinses of 211 wild small mammals (168 Apodemus flavicollis, 28 Myodes glareolus, 9 A. sylvaticus, and 6 Sorex araneus) were examined by modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibodies related to B.burgdorferi s.l., C. burnetii, and F. tularensis were detected in 15%, 19%, and 20% of animals, respectively. The prevalence of B. burgdorferi and F. tularensis statistically differed in localities and F. tularensis also differed in sex. Antibodies against 2-3 pathogens were found in 17% of animals with a higher prevalence in M. glareolus. This study brings new data about the prevalence of the above-mentioned pathogens.

Biosurveillance of Selected Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in a Zoo.

Monitoring of infectious diseases is one of the most important pillars of preventive medicine in zoos. Screening for parasitic and bacterial infections is important to keep animals and equipment safe from pathogens that may pose a risk to animal and human health. Zoos usually contain many different animal species living in proximity with people and wild animals. As an epidemiological probe, 188 animals (122 mammals, 65 birds, and one reptile) from a zoo in Slovenia were examined for selected pathogens. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum were detected by ELISA in 38% (46/122) and 3% (4/122) of mammals, and in 0% (0/64) and 2% (1/57) of birds, respectively; the reptile (0/1) was negative. A statistically significant difference in T. gondii prevalence was found in Carnivora compared to Cetartiodactyla and primate antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected by IFAT in 44% (52/118) of mammals and 20% (11/56) of birds, respectively; the reptile (0/1) was negative. Herbivores had a higher chance of being infected with E. cuniculi compared to omnivores. Antibodies to Chlamydia abortus and Coxiella burnetii were not detected in any of the 74 tested zoo animals. The sera of 39 wild rodents found in the zoo were also examined; they were negative for all three parasites. The parasite T. gondii was detected by PCR in the tissue of two mute swans (Cygnus olor), three eastern house mice (Mus musculus), one yellow-necked field mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), and one striped field mouse (A. agrarius). Positive samples were genotyped by a single multiplex PCR assay using 15 microsatellite markers; one sample from a mute swan was characterized as type II. This micro-epidemiological study offers a better understanding of pathogens in zoo animals and an understanding of the role of zoos in biosurveillance.

Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis in wild small mammals from the Czech Republic.

Wild rodents are an important source of the tick-borne pathogens Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of antibodies and possible coexistence of these pathogens in wild small mammals from three localities in the Czech Republic. A total of 614 wild small mammals (324 Apodemus flavicollis, 145 Myodes glareolus, 50 Sorex araneus, 48 A. sylvaticus, 40 A. agrarius, six Microtus arvalis and one Talpa europaea) were trapped between 2012 and 2015. Their sera or heart extracts were examined by modified indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii and F. tularensis in 12 % and 7 % of animals, respectively; coinfection was identified in 4.4 % of animals. The prevalence of C. burnetii and F. tularensis antibodies statistically differed according to animal species and sex (p < 0.05); the seroprevalence of C. burnetii (p < 0.05) also differed in the sampling period. The highest prevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii and F. tularensis was detected in the case of M. glareolus (24 % and 14 %, respectively).

Late side effects of 3T MRI-guided 3D high-dose rate brachytherapy of cervical cancer : Institutional experiences.

PURPOSE: This article reports experiences with 3T magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-guided brachytherapy (BT) for cervical cancer focusing on late side effects. METHODS: Between June 2012 and March 2017 a total of 257 uterovaginal BT administrations were performed in 61 consecutive patients with inoperable cervical cancer. All patients were treated with BT combined with external beam radiotherapy. RESULTS: The mean HR-CTV (high risk-clinical target volume) D90 was 87 ± 5.1 Gy equivalent dose corresponding to the conventional fractionation using 2 Gy per fraction (EQD2, range 70.7-97.9 Gy). The mean doses in OAR (organs at risk), namely rectum, sigmoid and bladder were D2 cm3rectum = 62.6 ± 6.9 Gy EQD2 (range 38.2-77.2 Gy), D2 cm3sigmoid = 66.2 ± 6.8 Gy EQD2 (43.2-78.6 Gy) and D2 cm3bladder = 75.1 ± 8.3 Gy EQD2 (58.2-92.6 Gy). There were no signs of late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity in 49 patients, grade 3 toxicity was seen in 2 patients and grade 4 toxicity in 3 patients. There were no signs of late genitourinary (GU) toxicity in 41 patients, grade 3 toxicity was seen in 4 patients and no signs of grade 4 toxicity were seen. After the treatment, 60 patients (98.4%) achieved locoregional remission. In 54 patients (88.5%) the remission was complete, whereas in 6 patients (9.8%) remission was partial. CONCLUSION: The use of 3T MRI-guided BT leads to achievement of high rates of local control with limited late morbidity as demonstrated in this series of patients.

Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Animals from Captivity (Zoo and Circus Animals).

Problems with parasitic infections are common in zoological gardens and circuses. In some animals it can lead to several disorders such as systemic disease, reproductive disorders (abortions and neonatal mortality), and even to death if severe illness is untreated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of three common parasites in 74 animals from three zoos, and four circuses in Southern Italy. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected in 51%, 12%, and 20% of animals, respectively. Co-infections of T. gondii and N. caninum were reported in seven animals (9%) and co-infection of T. gondii and E. cuniculi in one animal. T. gondii, N. caninum and E. cuniculi seroprevalence differed in type of diet (P ≤ 0.0001; P ≤ 0.037 and P ≤ 0.004, respectively). T. gondii and E. cuniculi seroprevalence also differed in animal families (P ≤ 0.0001) and according to type of housing (P ≤ 0.003), respectively. Statistical differences were not found in other characteristics (gender, age, country of birth, origin, and contact with cats or dogs). This is the first serological study focusing on protozoan and microsporidian parasites in zoo and circus animals from Southern Italy and the first detection of antibodies to E. cuniculi in camels in Europe.

Epizootological study on Toxoplasma gondii in zoo animals in the Czech Republic.

Toxoplasma gondii is protozoan parasite with ability of causing disease in wide-spectrum of animals; many species of animals in captivity died of clinical toxoplasmosis. The monitoring of T. gondii antibodies in zoo animals can be an important indicator of T. gondii circulation in zoo. The aim of this study was to examine sera of animals from eight Czech zoos by latex agglutination test with statistical evaluation and detect T. gondii DNA in stray cats and rodents captured in the zoos. T. gondii antibodies were detected in 33% of 1043 zoo animals without statistical difference between birds (27%, n = 74) and mammals (33%, n = 969). In birds, the chance to be infected with T. gondii was higher in Accipitriformes (71%) compared to Pelecaniformes (6%) (p < 0.0001). In mammals, the chance to be infected with T. gondii was higher in Carnivora (63%) compared to Cetarodactyla (30%), Perissodactyla (26%), Primates (28%) and Rodentia (13%) (p < 0.0001) and higher in Felidae (70%) compared to Bovidae (28%) and Equidae (28%) (p < 0.0001). Mammals with carnivore/scavenger way of feeding were in a higher risk of T. gondii infection compared to herbivores and omnivores (p < 0.0001). T. gondii DNA was detected in tissue of one stray cat while in none of 77 rodents caught in zoo. This study is the first report on toxoplasmosis in zoos from the Czech Republic including seroepidemiology and molecular detection.

Prognostic value of c-MET in head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of aggregate data.

OBJECTIVES: The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) ligand/receptor axis has been implicated in pathogenesis of malignant diseases including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Overexpression of c-MET has been reported as a common molecular abnormality in SCCHN, although its prognostic and predictive value remains to be validated. METHODS: We systematically searched literature for studies evaluating c-MET expression on immunohistochemistry in newly diagnosed, non-metastatic SCCHN. The c-MET expressing cases were classified into three categories according to predefined cut-off values for positivity. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of c-MET expression and its relationship with selected clinicopathological variables. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies with 2019 cases were included. Relative frequencies of c-MET expression above cut-off levels I, II, and III were 81.8%, 63.8%, and 46.2%, respectively. Differences between these three values were statistically significant (p<1.0×10-6). Above cut-off level II, c-MET positivity was associated with worse overall survival (p=4.0×10-6), positive nodal status (p=1.0×10-4), higher disease stage (p=7.0×10-4), older age (p=2.1×10-3), disease recurrence (p=2.0×10-2), and primary tumour localization in the oral cavity (p=2.3×10-2). Above cut-off level III, c-MET positivity was associated with worse disease-free or progression-free survival (p=9.0×10-6), p16 negativity (p=2.4×10-4), worse overall survival (p=4.0×10-4), positive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status (p=7.2×10-4), and larger primary tumours (p=4.6×10-3). CONCLUSION: In SCCHN, immunohistochemical overexpression of c-MET above cut-off levels III and particularly II was associated with inferior survival outcomes and advanced disease. Moreover, it represents a promising predictive biomarker for c-MET targeting, yet the optimal scoring method remains to be defined.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii infections among horses and donkeys in Nigeria, West Africa.

Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are considered to be a globally distributed parasites affecting wide range of warm-blooded animals. Neosporosis has caused clinical illness in horses and consumption of horse meat has been epidemiologically linked to clinical toxoplasmosis in humans. This study was conducted to determine Neospora spp. and T. gondii antibodies and risk factors of infection in horses and donkeys from three states of Nigeria. A total of 144 samples were collected from clinically healthy animals (120 horses and 24 donkeys). The sera were tested for antibodies to Neospora spp. and T. gondii by indirect fluorescence antibody test, a titer ≥ 50 was considered positive. Seroprevalence data were statistically analyzed, considering the variables of gender, age, use, state, origin of breed and type of management. Antibodies to Neospora spp. and T. gondii were detected in 8% horses with titers 50 and in 24% horses with titers 50-800, respectively. Co-infection of both parasites was proved in three horses (3%). Statistical differences were found only for T. gondii seroprevalence in horses with different use, locality, origin and management (p-value ≤ 0.05). Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in four (17%) of 24 donkeys with statistical difference (p-value ≤ 0.05) in animals of different use; antibodies to Neospora spp. were not proved in any of the donkeys. This is the first seroprevalence study of Neospora spp. and T. gondii in equids from Nigeria.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of infections with Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in hunting dogs from Campania region, southern Italy.

Hunting dogs have probably a higher level of exposure to Neospora caninum Dubey, Carpenter, Speer, Topper et Uggla, 1988 and Toxoplasma gondii Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908 than other canine populations for their different lifestyle. The aim of our survey was to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii in hunting dogs from southern Italy and assess risk factors related to these protozoan infections. Blood samples were collected from 398 hunting dogs (19 different breeds, aged from 5 month to 14 years). The sera were screened by indirect fluorescence antibody test; a titre ≥ 50 was considered positive. Antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii were detected in 59 (15%) dogs with titres from 50 to 3 200 and in 94 (24%) dogs with titres from 50 to 1 600, respectively, with co-infection in 25 (6%) dogs. Statistical difference (p ≤ 0.05) was found only for infection with T. gondii between two age groups: ≥ 2-4 years (16%) and ≥ 4-7 years (33%); other observed characteristics were without statistical significance. Our results suggest that the hunting dogs could play an important role in the transmission cycle of N. caninum between wild animals and livestock. This is the first detection of antibodies to T. gondii in hunting dogs in Italy.

Risk factors involved in transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in rabbit farms in Northern Italy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: In Italy, rabbits are frequently reared for meat production. The aim of the study was to find the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum parasites, and risk factors of infection in rabbit farms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples from 260 apparently healthy breeding rabbits were collected on 13 commercial farms in Northern Italy. Rabbits were divided into categories according to age, number of births, breed, province and size of farm. Samples were tested for antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT); samples with a titre ≥ 50 were considered positive. RESULTS: Antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum were found in 38 (14.6 %) and 3 (1.2 %) rabbits, respectively. A statistically significant difference (p-value ≤ 0.05) was found only in T. gondii prevalence among different rabbit breeds and provinces. CONCLUSION: Rabbits from Northern Italy are at risk of T. gondii and N. caninum infection; however, it is lower compared to seroprevalence noted in other animal species or in humans.

Seroprevalence of antibodies of Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in horses from southern Italy.

The consumption of horse meat has been epidemiologically linked to clinical toxoplasmosis in humans and neosporosis that may cause clinical illness in horses. Here we determined seroprevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908 and species of Neospora Dubey, Carpenter, Speer, Topper et Uggla, 1988 in horses from Italy. Blood samples were collected from 643 apparently healthy horses from 60 farms of 51 municipalities in southern Italy. The presence of antibodies against T. gondii and Neospora spp. were detected by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT); a titre ≥ 50 was considered positive. The same sera were also tested for antibodies against Neospora spp. by a competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA); samples with ≥ 30% inhibition were considered positive. Antibodies against T. gondii and Neospora spp. were detected in 19 (3.0%) and 15 (2.3%) horses by IFAT, respectively, without statistical difference between gender, age and breeds (p-value ≥ 0.05). Antibodies against species of Neospora were detected in 70 (10.9%) horses by cELISA with statistical difference in gender (6.0-18.5%, p-value ≥ 0.05) and breeds (0-19.4%, p-value ≥ 0.05). Although T. gondii infection rates were low, the risk of human infection should not be dismissed, particularly in Italy where consumption of raw or undercooked horse meat has a long tradition.

Survey of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in meat juice of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in several districts of the Czech Republic.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were: 1) to detect antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii from wild boar meat; 1) establish seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in the wild boar population; 3) establish risk factors concerned in higher possible seroprevalence; 4) to estimate the usefulness of meat juice for detection of T. gondii antibodies in wild boar. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Diaphragm meat juice samples from 656 wild boar (Sus scrofa) were collected during the hunting seasons between September 2008 - October 2010 from 9 districts of the Czech Republic. The samples were stratified per age category into 2 groups: piglets (n = 279) and yearlings together with adults (n = 377). The in-house ELISA test was used for the detection of antibodies against T. gondii from the meat juice samples. RESULTS: Antibodies against T. gondii were detected by in-house ELISA in 260 of 656 wild boars (40%) with 26% prevalence in piglets (72/279) and 50% prevalence in yearlings and adults (188/377). The district total seroprevalences ranged between 32% - 59%, with a significantly higher prevalence in the district of Havlíckuv Brod (59%). Statistically significant differences (p-value < 0.05) were found between 2 age categories, and between 9 districts, with a significant variability in the district of Havlíckuv Brod. Seroprevalence correlated positively with farm density, but without any statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate that consumption of raw or undercooked meat from wild boars can carry an important risk of toxoplasma infection. Post mortem detection of antibodies in meat juice samples using ELISA is a useful alternative to blood serum examination. In addition, a diaphragm sample has been well-proven as a matrix sample for the contemporaneous diagnostics of trichinellosis and toxoplasmosis.

A study of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibody seroprevalence in healthy cattle in the Czech Republic.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to test the sera of healthy dairy cows by ELISAs, the methods also used in other groups of animals in the Czech Republic, and thus to obtain actual data about N. caninum and T. gondii seroprevalence in cattle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the Czech Republic, sera from 546 clinically healthy dairy cows (Bos primigenius f. taurus) aged > 2 years from 49 farms in 7 districts were collected. Sera were tested for Neospora caninum antibodies by a commercial competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; samples with more than 30% inhibition were considered as positive. The same samples were also analysed for Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; samples with more than 50% S/P were considered as positive. RESULTS: Antibodies against N. caninum were found only in 3 cows (0.5%) with inhibitions of 47, 78 and 85. Antibodies against T. gondii were found in 53 cows (9.7%) with S/P ranging from 51% to over 211%; positive animals were found in 4 of 7 districts, with prevalences ranging from 8% - 14%. Indication of mixed infections (concurrent presence of both N. caninum and T. gondii antibodies) was not proved. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that dairy cows in the Czech Republic have a relatively low seroprevalence for both N. caninum and T. gondii. Therefore, natural infection with N. caninum and T. gondii seems not to be very common in Czech cattle. These results show actual data about N. caninum and T. gondii infection in healthy dairy cattle from the Czech Republic.

The impact of PET/CT scanning on the size of target volumes, radiation exposure of organs at risk, TCP and NTCP, in the radiotherapy planning of non-small cell lung cancer.

AIM: To compare radiotherapy plans made according to CT and PET/CT and to investigate the impact of changes in target volumes on tumour control probability (TCP), normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) and the impact of PET/CT on the staging and treatment strategy. BACKGROUND: Contemporary studies have proven that PET/CT attains higher sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of lung cancer and also leads to higher accuracy than CT alone in the process of target volume delineation in NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2009 and March 2012, 31 patients with locally advanced NSCLC, who had been referred to radical radiotherapy were involved in our study. They all underwent planning PET/CT examination. Then we carried out two separate delineations of target volumes and two radiotherapy plans and we compared the following parameters of those plans: staging, treatment purpose, the size of GTV and PTV and the exposure of organs at risk (OAR). TCP and NTCP were also compared. RESULTS: PET/CT information led to a significant decrease in the sizes of target volumes, which had the impact on the radiation exposure of OARs. The reduction of target volume sizes was not reflected in the significant increase of the TCP value. We found that there is a very strong direct linear relationship between all evaluated dosimetric parameters and NTCP values of all evaluated OARs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that the use of planning PET/CT in the radiotherapy planning of NSCLC has a crucial impact on the precise determination of target volumes, more precise staging of the disease and thus also on possible changes of treatment strategy.